The dedicated and talented students and staff of Ramapo’s Gold Masque make our school proud every winter and spring without fail. This spring, on May 2, 3, and 4, this remarkable group captured our hearts yet again with their performance of The Drowsy Chaperone.
Set in the 1920s, The Drowsy Chaperone is narrated by a die-hard musical-theater fan, who feeling “blue” and looking to be entertained, plays the audience a recording of his favorite musical. His living room comes to life with an array of delightful tap numbers, captivating romances, a comical number of weddings, and of course, a very drowsy chaperone. This light-hearted musical of mix-ups and mayhem was directed by the club advisor, Mrs. Corrado, who has been working with Gold Masque for three years now. She says,” …it is always such a blast for me to come here every day and work with some incredibly kind, smart, and talented kids. All I have ever wanted to do was teach and direct theater, and Gold Masque has been such a warm and welcoming place for myself and all its members. There is always so much life and laughter within the room, it is such a joy every day being with this group!”
Katherine Kuhe, a freshman at Ramapo, commented that “The Drowsy Chaperone was truly an uplifting show. It’s obvious how enthusiastic each cast member was just to be on stage.” The tight-knit and loving community that Mrs. Corrado fosters has truly made Gold Masque the place to be. Angelina Bruno, a freshman at Ramapo, who played Janet Van de Graaf, commented on her experience in her second show at Ramapo this year: “My favorite part about my experience with The Drowsy Chaperone is definitely the people I became close with. I met some of my best friends because of this show and I couldn’t ask for a better theater family.” Marrissa Colangelo, a junior at Ramapo and the choreographer for the Drowsy Chaperone, also remarked on her experience with the cast and crew: “After going from community theater to high school shows it truly was incredible to see the true love these students have for the shows. I had an amazing time working on the show and I am so proud of the entire cast for all their work.”
When asked about this year’s seniors, Mrs. Corrado said that “This senior class has such a special place in my heart. I feel like I’ve watched them grow up into some amazing people, and I know that anything they choose to do in life will treat them with the love and grace that they all deserve. I am so proud of each and every one of them, and I am so glad that our paths were able to cross in this lifetime. I don’t know what I’ll do without them next year, but they know that they all have a home in Gold Masque, and I will always be there for them should they need anything!”
And so, a special and bittersweet shoutout to the graduating seniors of this year’s cast and crew: Leonardo Fornasieri (Aldolpho), Samuel Ornstein (George), Kayla Kanefke (Mrs. Tottendale), Tyler Breen (Feldzieg), Nicolas Hendrickson (Production Stage Manager), Valentina D’Angelo (Assistant Stage Manager), and Hayden Tarr (Costume Assistant). Thank you for your years of dedication and passion, and best of luck in all your future endeavors! You will be missed!!
